The Specificity of Upper Alpha Frequency and Neurofeedback Training

Abstract

This study investigated the specificity of Upper Alpha Neurofeedback, as well as the predictive value of resting state Upper Alpha amplitude for learning in Neurofeedback. Until now, research which considers specificity of Upper Alpha Neurofeedback is rare. Furthermore, research regarding a possible biomarker for learning in Neurofeedback is contradictory. Therefore, the resting state Upper Alpha amplitude of 30 participants was measured before Neurofeedback and compared to the amplitude during the last Neurofeedback session. Furthermore, the frequency bands Beta and Theta were also taken into account to assess specificity of the Upper Alpha protocol. Moreover, the participants were divided into two groups for the analysis: high resting state power/ low resting state power of Individual Upper Alpha. Data was analyzed with a doubly multivariate repeated measures ANOVA. Results contribute to the hypothesis that frequency bands are interdependent. Furthermore, the resting state power has predictive value according to the results. The found results partly contradict the existing literature. This study is a contribution to the ongoing debate over the predictability of learning in Neurofeedback as well as to the question whether frequency bands are specific or interdependent. Keywords: Individual Upper Alpha, Beta, Theta, Neurofeedback, resting state Upper Alpha, responder, non-responder, Electroencephalography